In this era of new technologies and the new practices they enable, the development of standards provides a shared framework to guide anyone who wishes to take advantage of them.
To implement such an initiative in the field of Low-Code and No-Code (LCNC) technology, the French Union of No-Code Professionals (SFPN), with the support of AFNOR, has created an AFNOR Spec dedicated to this topic.
In this article, we will explore what LCNC stands for, as well as the purpose of the AFNOR Spec—unveiled in June 2024—and some of the topics it addresses to standardize terminology, concepts, and best practices in the low-code/no-code field.
What is low-code/no-code (LCNC)?
Low-code/no-code is a set of technologies that simplify the process of developing digital applications, making it possible to use them without the need for experienced programmers.
This simplification means that non-technical users—also known as “citizen developers”—can develop and maintain applications once they have been trained, without requiring extensive technical training.
*Note that low-code and no-code are not mutually exclusive; on the contrary, they correspond to complementary use cases.
However, with the evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the distinction between these two approaches is becoming increasingly blurred.
Why is the LCNC so important today?
In addition to startups, which often rely on digital products, companies of all sizes and across all industries are faced with the need to respond quickly to the evolving digital demands of their customers, employees, and partners.
This means that digital applications must be developed and improved at a rapid pace. The emergence of the LCNC is therefore taking place against a backdrop of accelerated digital transformation.
Another driver of the adoption of no-code technologies is the shortage of experienced programmers, due to the increasing demand for digital applications, the scarcity of up-to-date programming skills, and the growing range of skills required to develop complex applications.
In addition to the benefits in terms of the speed of development project execution, LCNC also helps reduce costs, including during the ongoing maintenance and corrective maintenance phases, such as the identification of software bugs using no-code testing tools.
AFNOR Spec – Objectives and Expectations
AFNOR Spec was created by AFNOR in collaboration with the French Union of No-Code Professionals (SFPN) and other industry professionals to establish a trusted source of information in the field of low-code/no-code.
This technical document, developed and approved through a transparent and open process, reflects the perspectives and expertise of the organizations that participated in its development, such as L’ORÉAL, Crédit Agricole, the Ministry of Education, Dassault Aviation, Mr Suricate, Ontomantics, and many others.
Essentially, the AFNOR SPEC enables industry stakeholders to share their collective vision for the future of low-code and no-code technologies and to facilitate their adoption on a larger scale.
Although low-code technologies are inherently easy to use, they still require operational and strategic expertise to maximize their impressive capabilities and manage the organizational changes they entail.
AFNOR Spec serves as a guide for innovators who are less familiar with these topics, detailing the challenges, use cases, best practices, ROI measurement, and other important aspects.
The Publication of the AFNOR Spec – Some Key Takeaways
The publication of the AFNOR Spec in June 2024 marks a turning point in the adoption of LCNC technologies.
Here are some key takeaways from this revealing study:
Conditions for the Successful Use of LCNC in the Workplace
Feedback from companies reveals the following criteria for success:
- The process of selecting LCNC solutions based on anticipated use cases.
- The Importance of Training Before Departure.
- The need to establish guidelines for LCNC practices to ensure that the developments undertaken comply with governance and existing IT standards.
- The importance of establishing a support structure to sustain the scaling-up effort over the long term.
- Economic oversight of the implementation of LCNC solutions and projects carried out using these solutions, with a focus on licensing costs during large-scale deployment.
How can we overcome resistance to change?
CIOs are often concerned about risks related to application portfolio management, security, data breaches, and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
To overcome these objections, it is recommended to organize a demonstration that:
- Runs in a sandbox.
- Access only non-sensitive company data, and only in read-only mode.
- This applies to a limited number of users.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the LCNC
The use of AI—primarily generative AI—can be viewed from several perspectives in relation to LCNC solutions.
Some AI solutions make it possible to develop applications without writing code, particularly chatbots. In this sense, these AI solutions fall within the scope of LCNC solutions.
Furthermore, generative AI can be used in conjunction with the LCNC solution; its use is independent of the LCNC solution and can cover a wide range of applications, such as:
- Generate test data and test frameworks.
- Generate documentation.
- Make it easier to query the data generated by the LCNC solution.
One trend currently being pursued by LCNC solution providers is to integrate generative AI into their products for three purposes:
- Make it easier for users to use their solutions through a "co-pilot"-style chatbot.
- Automatically generate objects used in the application's development.
- Incorporate AI into the generated applications.
Click here to download the full study
Mr Suricate Sponsor of the AFNOR Spec Low-Code/No-Code Initiative
Mr Suricate, the French leader in no-code automated testing, is proud to be a sponsor of AFNOR Spec, which clarifies and makes the optimal use of LCNC technologies more accessible.
Application maintenance and testing are just as important as development itself! Every day, we see how no-code automated testing saves resources by speeding up processes and ensuring flawless user experiences.
Further Reading
FAQ
What is the AFNOR SPEC for low-code/no-code?
It is a framework that outlines best practices for low-code and no-code development, recognizing their growing role in software development.
Why is no-code gaining momentum?
Because it speeds up the development of applications and tests and makes these activities accessible to non-technical users, all while adhering to best practices.
Is no-code reliable for serious use cases?
Yes, provided that you rely on robust tools and rigorous practices. A framework such as AFNOR SPEC contributes to this maturity.
What is the connection between no-code and software quality?
No-code also makes testing more accessible: business teams can automate the verification of their user flows without writing code, which improves quality.
How Mr Suricate into this trend?
By offering robust no-code test automation for both business teams and enterprise clients.
